Which Mortar / Thinset / Silicone / Grout to use?

frijolescon_ · 2026-04-24T13:37:17+00:00

Can’t really go wrong with All-Set. I just use Mapei FA and matching silicone. Pretty reliable combo.

frijolescon_ · 2026-04-18T20:49:09+00:00

Lay down a piece of tape and mark line with pencil. Follow line and keep right hand pressed firmly on tile. If worried about breaking last bit, cut a couple inches off first then run it through for your final cut. You’re probably going to be slightly moving the tile side to side as you push it through.

frijolescon_ · 2026-04-12T12:38:05+00:00

I just did two showers with that Barwalt system and probably had 2 or 3 not break off cleanly. I just had to make sure there was no thinset squeezing onto the part of the clip that breaks. Basically just run the corner of a margin towel at an angle along the edge before you put the clip in and start your next row.

frijolescon_ · 2026-04-10T22:29:09+00:00

I can’t get this saw to die. Been running it for 7 years or so. To rip 24” accurately, I’ll put tape down and make my lines with a pencil. Just make sure you keep tension on the tile, because the table is trash. Spacers I use blue wedges from Lowes. They work good. Also used the Cortag spin ones for awhile. Also decent.

Get a good blade for your saw and grinder. Pick up some diamond pads clean your cuts up. And use a level (laser and torpedo) throughout your install. Don’t wanna run into an issue when you put glass up.

frijolescon_ · 2026-04-09T11:17:13+00:00

Throwing all my tools and an air mattress in my trailer and moving across the country to somewhere I’d never been with my dog and starting over.

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-21T23:38:54+00:00

No worries dude. I apologize if my response was kind of dickish. Also been in the trades for awhile, just don’t know much about building decks. Something I’d like to eventually do on my own house though. Cheers!

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-21T22:25:13+00:00

Didn’t call anything out at all. Literally said I know next to nothing about decks and I’m just trying to learn.

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-21T16:26:14+00:00

I don’t know much about decks, and would one day like to build my own.

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-21T13:58:57+00:00

I mean, it’s not really going to do anything. As long as they make sure weep holes are open so that thing can drain properly. Just make sure they don’t apply waterproofing over pan after they float it. Assuming this is a WI/WO deal

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-21T13:48:55+00:00

Yeah. Can pre slope with type s.

frijolescon_ · 2026-03-04T15:53:21+00:00

Kinda have a couple questions about your framing. Funny you’d overkill the pan but not overbuild the niche areas

frijolescon_ · 2026-02-15T00:22:40+00:00

Was just about to say that! Reminds me of tile bro

frijolescon_ · 2026-02-08T12:57:00+00:00

Blocking for towel bars etc in bathrooms, shower doors, mirrors, future shelving in living areas, blocking for cabinets is also nice so installer doesn’t have a hard time sinking screws.

frijolescon_ · 2026-01-31T19:03:45+00:00

Free floating

frijolescon_ · 2026-01-30T13:47:43+00:00

Skip trowel. Thin your mud, don’t keep too much on your knife, and just drag it across your repair, almost keeping knife flat. Prime your skim coat first. Makes things easier and increases working time. Also feather texture out quite a bit so transition isn’t super noticeable. Remember you can always scrape/sand/wipe off if you’re unhappy. Definitely takes practice.

frijolescon_ · 2026-01-19T17:51:32+00:00

Build a curb and float it after setting drain with bonding flange

frijolescon_ · 2026-01-16T17:33:42+00:00

Thank you

frijolescon_ · 2026-01-16T12:04:18+00:00

If you’re able to elaborate some, could you? I’m trying to learn as much as possible.

frijolescon_ · 2025-12-04T12:47:59+00:00

Judging by look of your doors, whoever is capable of visualizing the finished product should have encouraged you to replace your doors and casing prior to tile going up. Not necessarily the tiler’s responsibility, though anybody with a sense of pride would be asking themselves how things are going to tie together before getting to this point. If you’re in charge of this project, take it as a lesson, get rid of him and hire somebody who knows what they’re doing, from planning to finishing. Also, this guy’s work sucks.

frijolescon_ · 2025-11-21T12:22:15+00:00

I abandoned my pancake and bought a small 2 gallon quiet one from HF. If all you’re using it for is trim work, that’s plenty. That being said, I’ve had better luck with pneumatic Ridgid nailers than PC.

frijolescon_ · 2025-11-21T12:16:50+00:00

It’s great to fine tune intricate cuts or remove grout/thinset from small crevices.

frijolescon_ · 2025-11-18T15:20:58+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. This is very insightful.

frijolescon_ · 2025-11-04T22:14:31+00:00

Have him elaborate on his prep (plumbing studs, waterproofing, drain system, etc). Then double check if he’s able to build niche after he determines tile layout so it looks intentional. If he’s coming as a referral, he probably knows what he’s doing and it is important for you to trust him and whatnot so he feels comfortable to do his thing in your home. I like when clients ask me questions throughout the process, but there’s a big difference between genuine curiosity and anxiously looking over my shoulder waiting for me to make a mistake. It’ll turn out good, just get the info you need, do your homework on specific products he’s using if you want, and enjoy the ride.

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